My 1.9D has had cold starting problems for the last year or so. I changed heater plugs several times and then a new battery, no joy. I noticed a thread here (sorry I forget now who posted it) that mentioned valve regression. I discussed this with my fitter who rejected the idea on the basis that I had the head done 45k miles ago and the shims should last for 100k.
Deadlock.
Then I noticed a post where someone poured hot water over the engine on cold days and found starting easier. I tried that and it worked. So not an electrical problem at all but what about those shims.
Eventually I persuaded the mechanic to check the valve clearances and lo they were low!
Just got the car back from being reshimmed starting nicely first turn of the key. Bring on winter.
Thought it might help some poor 1.9D owners struggling with cold weather coming on.
Finally the key to getting 100k may be to make sure you have tool steel shims of the right size and not case hardened ones ground down. As it seems the grinding might remove the hardened layer of the steel. But that's above my pay grade.
Berlingo rides again.
Now just the central locking, the rear seats stuck and the mysterious ingress of water.....
BB
Deadlock.
Then I noticed a post where someone poured hot water over the engine on cold days and found starting easier. I tried that and it worked. So not an electrical problem at all but what about those shims.
Eventually I persuaded the mechanic to check the valve clearances and lo they were low!
Just got the car back from being reshimmed starting nicely first turn of the key. Bring on winter.
Thought it might help some poor 1.9D owners struggling with cold weather coming on.
Finally the key to getting 100k may be to make sure you have tool steel shims of the right size and not case hardened ones ground down. As it seems the grinding might remove the hardened layer of the steel. But that's above my pay grade.
Berlingo rides again.
Now just the central locking, the rear seats stuck and the mysterious ingress of water.....
BB
